Celeste Rivas' Family Slams D4vd's 'Indigent' Claim After Top Lawyers Exit Over His Finances

Pop artist D4vd, legally identified as David Anthony Burke, has experienced a seismic shift in his high-profile criminal defence after his legal team officially withdrew from proceedings during a 31 August 2026 hearing in Los Angeles.

The 21-year-old musician, who faces charges including first-degree murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14, and unlawful mutilation of human remains regarding the tragic death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, was determined by the court to qualify for publicly funded legal representation.

High-profile defence attorneys Blair Berk, Marilyn Bednarski, and Regina Peter stepped down after the court ruled that Burke met the criteria for appointed counsel, handing control of the defence over to the Los Angeles County Public Defender's Office.

The unexpected development has ignited immediate outrage from the victim's family and legal representatives, who openly questioned how an internationally streamed recording artist with millions of monthly listeners and millions in historical earnings could be classified as indigent.

As Deputy Public Defender Walid Kandeel steps in to manage the complex case ahead of upcoming autumn trial proceedings, the surprising courtroom turn has cast an intense spotlight on celebrity finances, corporate asset protection, and the strict parameters of state-funded legal aid.

Family Questions Singer's Financial Status

Hernandez's family have questioned how the court determined that the singer qualified for publicly funded legal representation. The family's attorney, Patrick Steinfeld, told TMZ they have weighed in on D4vd's claims in court that he could not afford to pay his high-profile lawyers.

'The Rivas Hernandez family was shocked to learn that David Anthony Burke claims to be indigent,' Steinfeld said.

Steinfeld also pointed to Burke's successful music career and alleged business interests, stating that it was difficult to reconcile an indigency determination with his reported streaming success and business interests. He pointed to his billions of streams, millions of monthly listeners on a platform, and ownership of three corporations.

'It is unfathomable that our justice system qualifies David Anthony Burke as indigent when D4VD has 5+ billion streams with 16 million monthly listeners on a single streaming platform, and controls three corporations,' Steinfeld's statement also said.

'David Anthony Burke is not indigent. His assets are protected by his companies. Perhaps he would have money if he just asked one of his corporations.'

Also speaking to TMZ, Hernandez's family shared a statement through Steinfeld, 'We as a family only want justice for Celeste and for whoever is responsible to face the full force of the law. And we thank everyone for supporting our daughter in every way.'

Millions Earned Before Arrest

The financial questions have attracted attention because testimony during an earlier hearing indicated Burke earned at least $10 million (about £7.5 million) from his music activities between 2023 and 2025.

Another AP report says one financial manager testified to having between $10 million and $11.5 million (about £8.5 million).

Burke rose to fame after his music gained traction on online platforms, eventually leading to a multimillion-dollar record deal with Interscope Records, a US-based label whose current roster includes Lady Gaga, Olivia Rodrigo, and Kendrick Lamar.

Reuters reported that Burke's career grew rapidly after his music gained popularity on TikTok, while some of his top songs have amassed more than a billion plays across streaming platforms.

Top Defence Team Replaced

The departure of Berk and her fellow lawyers significantly affected Burke's defence. The court has now placed the case in the hands of Deputy Public Defender Walid Kandeel. Burke's former lawyers said they 'continue to support David and his defence against these serious charges,' according to a statement.

The change in Burke's legal strategy came shortly after Judge Charlaine Olmedo ruled there was enough evidence for Burke to stand trial following a five-day preliminary hearing in July. Prosecutors allege that Burke killed Hernandez in April 2025 and later concealed her remains in a Tesla. He has denied the charges and remains in custody without bail.

The high-profile case is expected to return to court for crucial scheduling conferences in October 2026. Prosecutors continue preparing their case file ahead of formal trial dates.